August 31, 2012

Tired of worrying about when your wireless devices will run out of battery life? Intel wants to help. The company announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with fellow chipmaker Integrated Device Technology (IDT) to bring wireless charging capabilities to some of its future Ultrabook laptop computers.

The two companies said they will work together to develop the chipsets to enable Ultrabooks to wirelessly charge smartphones without the need for cables or power cords.

The collaboration calls for IDT to develop an integrated transmitter and receiver chipset for Intel´s Wireless Charging Technology (WTC), which is based on differentiated resonance wireless technology that simplifies the way in which a PC charges the phone wirelessly.

“Imagine, for example, this wireless charging solution in an Ultrabook of the future. How would it work? You are low on juice on your phone – you simply start the WCT detection software and place the smartphone close to your Ultrabook (about an inch or so),” Intel said in a posting on its company blog.

“Coupling takes place between the two devices and energy begins to seamlessly and wirelessly flow from the Ultrabook to the smartphone. Within an hour, you have recharged your smartphone sufficiently to make it through the afternoon. No more wires or chargers.”

Intel´s ultimate goal is to offer a convenient platform for charging a mobile device or peripheral by simply having it in close proximity to another device — such as an Ultrabook -- with a charger.

IDT said its wireless charging chips will provide size and cost reduction, while simplifying product development and integration.

“Our extensive experience in developing the innovative and highly integrated IDTP9030 transmitter and multi-mode IDTP9020 receiver has given IDT a proven leadership position in the wireless power market,” said Arman Naghavi, vice president and general manager of IDT´s Analog and Power Division, in a statement on Wednesday.

“IDT is excited to collaborate with Intel and looks forward to playing a key role in the proliferation of wireless power technology.”

Intel said IDT´s product was important because “it leads to a solution that isn´t limited to inductive charging and ℠smartphone on a charging mat´ usage.”

The chipmaker said it is also working with “peripheral vendors (from smartphone cases to printers and cameras), OEMs, and other ecosystem partners to deliver a cost-effective and simpler path to wireless charging.”

The work, however, is still in its early stages, with a finished product likely at least a year away.

“Intel's commitment is still very much early and won't put a full, two-way resonance chipset into the hands of hardware makers until sometime during the first half of 2013, let alone into a shipping product,” Intel said.

IDT said its goal is to have samples of a resonance receiver chip by the end of this year, and a transmitter chip sample during the first half of 2013.

Intel has been working on a WTC solution for years, having first demonstrated the technology in 2008. While the widespread availability of wireless charging laptops may not be on the immediate horizon, Wednesday´s announcement is an important step in that direction.